VET Courses vs. Higher Education: Choosing the Right Path
Published 28 Jun 2023
How To Become a Dental Assistant: Salary Insights & Skills
Kristen Michaelides 
One of the quickest growing sectors of the healthcare industry, dentistry offers stable and well paid assistant roles all across Australia. So, how do you become a dental assistant?
What is a dental assistant?
Dental assistants are support staff who work directly with dental practitioners, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists, helping them with day to day patient-facing responsibilities, dental treatments and administrative tasks. They are a crucial part of any wider dental team that may work in a private practice, hospital or community health centre.
With experience and relevant training, dental assistants can diversify and move into dentistry research, training, sales and consultation.
Your key responsibilities and duties
A dental assistant acts as an all-rounder in the clinic. They are often the middle man between the administrative staff, the doctors and the patients. For this reason, a dental assistant is responsible for a diverse range of duties and tasks that are critical to the smooth running of a clinic.
There are three critical areas in which a dental assistant will have responsibilities. These are:
1. Administrative tasks
2. Cleaning and setup duties
3. Procedural duties
Due to the broad range of responsibilities, becoming a dental assistant will help you develop a diverse skill set. Plus, you will gain valuable insight into the dental service industry from health, patient care and business perspectives.
Depending on which part of the job you’re particularly drawn to, career development through further study may be possible to reach your dream job.
The Truth About Being a Dental Hygienist
Wondering if dental hygiene is for you? Caroline Mullan, an experienced dental hygienist and oral health therapist, reveals what her job is really like.
Salary expectations across Australia
The dental industry is predicted to grow by 14% by 2024, providing over 4,500 new jobs across Australia for dental assistants. The majority of trained dental assistants currently work in the healthcare industry, with New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland demanding most workers.
Depending on your experience and time in the field, the average salary curve of a dental assistant is:
| Career stage | Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years experience | $58,500 |
| 3-5 years experience | $59,640 |
| 5+ years experience | $68,256 |
Dental assistant work is also a flexible job pathway for those who need more freedom throughout the week for other responsibilities. Currently, approximately 46% of dental assistants work full time, while the majority choose to work part-time, earning an hourly rate.
With 3-5 years of experience under your belt, the average hourly rate spans between $30-$35.
However, the hourly wage is slightly lower for those in an entry-level role and varies across Australia.
The average hourly rate by state is:
| State | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Victoria | $27.16 |
| NSW | $27.16 |
| SA | $25.6 |
| ACT | $26.99 |
| WA, Perth | $23.14 |
| QLD | $26.99 |
| NT | $22.52 |
How do you become a dental assistant?
Becoming a qualified dental assistant is a straightforward and relatively short process. Most qualified dental assistants complete a Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting with a registered training organisation. Currently, approximately 40% of working dental assistants hold this level of qualification, while a further 12.5% chose to progress further with an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s degree.
Certificate III
A Certificate III in Dental Assisting will prepare you for all the core responsibilities required of a dental assistant within the procedure room. This includes:
A certificate III qualification also includes practical placement. This allows training dental assistants to experience what the job is like first-hand.
A certificate III can take anywhere between 12 weeks of full-time study to one year of self-paced learning. Depending on your situation, the theory components of most courses are offered via both in-person and online methods. However, it’s important to note that all practical elements of the course, including work placement, will be conducted in person.
Certificate IV
A Certificate IV in Dental Assisting provides more detail and depth into the nuances of dental assisting, ensuring your thorough preparation for your first role post-completion. Along with learning the relevant skills to perform key responsibilities, a certificate IV will also cover:
A certificate IV also requires a work experience placement in a dental office and can take anywhere between 12-18 months to complete, depending on your chosen study pace. Similar to certificate III, many educators will offer the theoretical components of this qualification online. However, in-person training is essential to complete the course successfully.
Some certificate IV course providers offer their students the opportunity to extend their studies and specialise in an area of dental assisting. Specialising within the dental industry will help you better understand the job and its possibilities, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Two of the most sought-after specialisations include:
Working as a specialised dental assistant allows you to find your niche in the dental care industry. This can lead you to a fast-tracked career progression into a more senior position within a dental clinic. You can continue to complete an Advanced Dental Hygiene Diploma and become a qualified dental hygienist.
Becoming a dental assistant will not only offer you an exciting and diverse career but a stable income as well. With both full-time and part-time opportunities available all across Australia, this pathway can also give you flexibility and mobility.
I’m ready to start my journey
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career journey, it’s time to start looking into training opportunities.
Browse your course options for further information and enquire today!
Browse Results
Top Result
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (VIC Only) CHC50121
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care qualification reflects the role of educators in early childhood education and care who work in regulated children’s education and care services in Australia. Educators at this level are responsible for...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +1
Job Outcomes Early Childhood Coordinator +6
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (VIC Only) CHC33021
Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33021) qualification reflects the role of workers in the community and/or residential setting who follow an individualised plan to provide person-centred support to people who may require support due to ageing,...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Personal Care Worker +3
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54115
Build a career that’s meaningful, fills you with a sense of purpose, and provides diverse job opportunities, with this Diploma of Nursing course. Offered via a blend of on-campus and online learning the HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing is the ideal starting...
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
in partnership with
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40110
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC50210
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +4
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....
Study Method In-class
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Carpenters +1
Building Leadership Programme (VIC ONLY) CPC40110 ,CPC502110
BAA is proudly partnered with Victoria University to offer our students higher education opportunities. Whether students are after an alternative way to gain entry into a degree, or simply want to try out a study path so they can confirm their longer-t...
Study Method In-class
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +5
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
Australia’s first Bachelor of Dance Education! Delivered through ACPE, this is a specialist professional qualification that is unique in Australia. Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowle...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
If you’re keen to pursue a career in physical and health education, the Bachelor of Education (Physical and Health Education) will provide you with the graduate qualification to become a PDHPE teacher. Based on the Graduate Outcome Survey 2021, ACPE wa...
Study Method Blended
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes PDHPE secondary teacher +4
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +4
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational and organisational skills for...
Study Method In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Director of coaching +5
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only) CHC32015
The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...
Study Method In-class
Location Perth Western Australia
Job Outcomes Community Support Worker +3
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (VIC Only) CHC43015
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (CHC43015) reflects the role of support workers who complete specialised tasks and functions in aged services; either in residential, home or community based environments. Workers will take responsibility for their own...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online, Virtual
Location Melbourne Victoria +3
Job Outcomes Care Team Leader in Aged Car... +3
Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
Looking to begin your career in the fitness industry? The Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) is the minimum qualification required to commence working as a qualified Gym Instructor or Group Exercise Instructor. Not everyone prefers to learn in the s...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321, SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a personal trainer and feel the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in people’s lives. Becoming a personal trainer can be very rewarding and having the flexibility of being your own boss and choosing your ow...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Have you been working in the fitness industry as a gym instructor and now want to become a Personal Trainer? Taking the next step to gain the higher qualification will open up an array of career possibilities not currently available when holding only t...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Online courses also available
Loading...
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
